CHILDREN SPEAK OUT ON ISSUES THAT MATTER

By Madali Chibambu

• More than 40 learners from Child and Youth Care Centres across Gauteng participated in a Children’s Dialogue aimed at encouraging open discussion on issues affecting young people.
• The dialogue provided a safe platform for learners from Grades 6 to 12 to share experiences on bullying, peer pressure, social media influence and parental expectations.
• The initiative forms part of broader youth development programmes designed to strengthen communication skills, build confidence and encourage critical thinking among learners.

More than 40 young people from various Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) gathered for a vibrant and engaging Children’s Dialogue hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development at the Mary Moodley Child and Youth Care Centre in Benoni, in the Eastern Corridor.

The dialogue created a safe, inclusive platform for learners in Grades 6 to 12 to openly discuss issues affecting their daily lives. Discussions ranged from bullying at school and peer pressure to the influence of social media and the pressures associated with parental expectations—challenges that continue to shape the experiences of many young people.

Centres that participated in the dialogue included Walter Sisulu Child and Youth Care Centre, Mary Moodley Child and Youth Care Centre, Rearabilwe Child and Youth Care Centre, Desmond Tutu Child and Youth Care Centre, Busisiwe Modisakeng Child and Youth Care Centre, Igugulethu Child and Youth Care Centre and Don Mattera Child and Youth Care Centre.

The programme focused on strengthening young people’s communication skills, building confidence and encouraging critical thinking through open dialogue. Learners were given opportunities to participate in breakaway sessions, speak in front of their peers and freely express their views in a supportive environment designed to nurture their voices and perspectives.
Nosipho Skenjana, Team Leader at Mary Moodley CYCC, said the initiative was meaningful for learners, as it enabled them to interact, share experiences, and build friendships with peers from other centres.

“The holistic development of young people is very important, and programmes such as the Children’s Dialogue help to ensure that this is achieved. It builds their confidence and self-esteem,” she said.

“Allowing them to engage in open discussions with others boosts their morale and encourages them to excel. The dialogue also promotes cognitive development through meaningful conversation.”

Phindile Dube, Children’s Dialogue Coordinator at Mary Moodley, stated that this initiative is an integral component of the centre’s comprehensive Spelling Bee programme. Organisers are focused on identifying innovative methods to support learners’ holistic development beyond academic achievement.
“We want our children to continuously practise their public speaking skills. We thank the Department for allowing us to host this event,” said Dube.
One participant from Walter Sisulu CYCC, whose name has been withheld to protect their identity, described the session as both exciting and empowering.
“I was looking forward to the dialogue because of the topics we would discuss. I made new friends from other centres, and I cannot wait for the next session,” the learner said.